Senator Imee Marcos has urged the public to continue supporting the participating films in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and to unite in strengthening the Philippine film industry.

In a statement on Monday, Marcos said the MMFF is not just pure entertainment but an avenue for Filipino filmmakers to showcase their craft.

“Let’s support the MMFF films. It’s not just about entertainment—it’s an opportunity for our filmmakers to showcase their talents and highlight Filipino excellence,” she said.

The senator, a staunch advocate for the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, a law that aims to create jobs, protect workers, and open more opportunities for artists and creators, said she is committed to fostering growth in the creative industries.

She cited the Young Creatives Challenge (YC2) as one of her initiatives to bolster the creative industry.

YC2 is a collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry which features seven categories: songwriting, screenwriting, playwriting, graphic novels, animation, game development, and online content creation.

Winners will have a chance at the grand prize of one million pesos.

As the former director general of the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines, Senator Marcos highlighted the iconic film “Himala,” a 1982 masterpiece created by National Artists Ishmael Bernal, Ricky Lee, and Nora Aunor.

The film achieved global acclaim, including recognition as the Best Asia-Pacific Film of All Time by CNN at the 2008 Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

“Himala is not just Elsa’s story; it’s the story of every Filipino. Amid challenges, there is faith and hope,” Marcos said. “It’s not merely a film. It’s a symbol of our strength and courage as a nation.”

“Let’s support our local filmmakers and take pride in authentic Filipino stories — stories of life, hope, faith, and unity,” she added.